SPOKES PODCAST
Spokes is the official red Bicycle Media podcast made for filmmakers by filmmakers. Join the rBM crew, as they talk with some of the industry’s most brilliant minds about past and upcoming projects, business trends, and life on- and off-set. Hosted by rBM founder James Pizarro.
Episode #031 - Ryan Girard
We talk with former Clevelander and current Austinite Ryan Girard about his career as a director and editor, as well as how he’s adjusting to moving to a new place with little to no film connections. This is the perfect episode if you are a filmmaker who plans to move and wants to know how to connect with local film shops or production companies.
We talk with former Clevelander and current Austinite Ryan Girard about his career as a director and editor, as well as how he’s adjusting to moving to a new place with little to no film connections. This is the perfect episode if you are a filmmaker who plans to move and wants to know how to connect with local film shops or production companies.
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Moving is hard. It’s even harder if you are in the film business, where new connections are to be made in a possibly unfamiliar area. We talk with someone who recently moved from Cleveland to Austin. Ryan Girard is a director and editor, who has worked on projects for companies like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Vitamix. He talks with us today about making connections when moving to a new place, adapting to the new location, and dealing with one of the worst snowstorms in Texas history, among others.
Talking Points
How the Austin film scene compares to Cleveland and how Ryan found connections during his time there
How he adapted from the Midwest to the heart of Texas
Making the shift from directing to editing during the Pandemic
Staying creative during the Pandemic
The value of having on-set editors
Ryan’s interest in filming cars
Promoting your work through reels
How his interest in music connects with his filmmaking skills
Social Media
IG: ryanfgirard
Link: ryanfgirard.com
Episode #030 - The Session: Aftermath
With “The Session” now available to watch on YouTube, we figured we bring back the directors of the award-winning short film to the podcast. Directors Chris Webb and Conrad Miles join us on this episode of Spokes.
With “The Session” now available to watch on YouTube, we figured we bring back the directors of the award-winning short film to the podcast. Directors Chris Webb and Conrad Miles join us on this episode of Spokes.
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With over 45,000 views on YouTube and being accepted into a couple of film festivals, we figured that it would be a great time to debrief filming “The Session.” Thanks to a worldwide pandemic, we were unable to walk down the red carpet at the Cleveland International Film Festival and watch it on the big screen. However, we are able to share it worldwide through streaming festivals and YouTube. In this episode, we bring back directors Chris Webb and Conrad “Abel” Miles to talk about filming “The Session,” as well as reminiscing about what happened on-set. After the show is over, watch our Behind The Scenes mini-series to go even further in-depth of our production.
Talking Points
The feedback we got from the film, as well as what we’re doing next to further expand on the story
What’s next for our directors
Staying creative in a very competitive industry
Favorite memories on-set
What was left on the cutting room floor?
What additional footage will be released?
Social Media
Chris: Website
IG: chriswebbspeaks
Facebook: Chris Webb
Twitter: @chriswebbspeaks
Conrad
IG: imxabel
Facebook: Conrad Abel Miles
YouTube: AbelMediaStudios
The Session
Facebook: The Session
IG: thesessioncle
Episode #029 - Patrick O'Sullivan
We travel to Perth, Australia, in today’s episode as we talk with cinematographer and the host of the Wandering DP Podcast, Patrick O’Sullivan. We talk about how he got into cinematography, as well as his work in recent projects including being the DP for an Australian feature film.
We travel to Perth, Australia, in today’s episode as we talk with cinematographer and the host of the Wandering DP Podcast, Patrick O’Sullivan. We talk about how he got into cinematography, as well as his work in recent projects including being the DP for an Australian feature film.
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One of our favorite podcasts to listen to (besides ours, of course) is the Wandering DP Podcast, hosted by cinematographer Patrick O’Sullivan. In this episode, it was an honor having Patrick on our show to talk about filmmaking and cinematography. We also go into the making of his podcast, as well as talking about his new online course about commercial cinematography. Recently, Patrick was the director of photography for the Australian romantic drama film, I Met a Girl, and we talk about his experience filming that. After the show is over, check out some Wandering DP episodes using the links below.
Talking Points
Going from an aspiring rugby player to a cinematographer
Growing pains of his cinematography career
Learning how to work with others on your crew, as well as developing a system on-set
Patrick’s biggest “aha” moment
The cinematographer-director connection on-set
Patrick’s experience working on the Australian film, “I Met a Girl,” and what he learned from working on the film (including long-term effects)
Deciding what you want out of your filming career
Behind the scenes of the Wandering DP Podcast
Filmmaking in a world where anyone can do it
Patrick’s new online course about commercial cinematography
Social Media
IG: wanderingdp
Podcast Link: wanderingdp.com
Link: patrickosullivandp.com
Episode #028 - Ray Rushing
We talk with Detroit-based DP, Ray Rushing, about his evolution from corporate photographer to freelance cinematographer in Episode 28 of Spokes.
We talk with Detroit-based DP, Ray Rushing, about his evolution from corporate photographer to freelance cinematographer in Episode 28 of Spokes.
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Many directors and DPs start off as production assistants in the film industry. Today’s guest learned to become a DP on the job. Starting off as a history major with a photography position at Quicken Loans, Ray Rushing went through the motions to become a freelance cinematographer. In this episode, he shares his evolution as a DP, as well as developing a leadership aspect to the job.
Talking Points
Ray’s transition from history major to cinematographer
His learning curve going from filming for Quicken Loans to going freelance
“Morphing” your cinematic style to the project and the optimal project to doing so
The team aspect of filmmaking and adjusting to the number of crew members per project
Going through projects during COVID
Evolving as a DP and learning why lighting matters
What he brings on-set
How having a good reel doesn’t necessarily translate to jobs
Marketing Yourself
Hobbies outside filmmaking
Social Media
IG: rayrushing
Twitter: @rayrushing
Link: rayrushing.tv
Episode #027 - Nicholas Weiss
We have Cleveland-based cinematographer Nicholas Weiss on this week’s episode to talk about the state of filming commercials and the messages behind them during the pandemic, as well as the outlook for the film industry in 2021.
We have Cleveland-based cinematographer Nicholas Weiss on this week’s episode to talk about the state of filming commercials and the messages behind them during the pandemic, as well as the outlook for the film industry in 2021.
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How has working on-set changed during the pandemic? That’s just one of the questions we answer this week. We talk with Cleveland-based cinematographer Nicholas Weiss about that, as well as the change of messages commercials want to convey and how it affects DPs. We also go into what smaller film cities, like Cleveland, can do to thrive in the industry, as well as what the future of filming commercials can look like in 2021.
Talking Points
COVID Mindset of commercials/marketing
Inspiration during quarantine
The flexibility of sets during the pandemic
Working with small crews
Optimizing relationships with others on-set (i.e. Director, Gaffer, etc.)
Establishing community outside of bigger markets like NY, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, etc.
Why we need more people to do one job rather than do multiple jobs on crew
Outlook for 2021
Self-improvement
Trusting your crew
Formula for success
Technical aspects
Monitoring color on-set
The importance of efficiency on-set
Pros and cons of having an agent as a DP
Social Media
IG: nicholasweissdp
Link: nicholasweissdp.com
Also On This Episode
Episode #026 - Adrian Peng Correia
An award-winning cinematographer who has worked on critically-acclaimed projects ranging from GLOW to Ramy, we welcome Adrian Peng Correia to Spokes to talk about being a DP, as well as some emotional moments on-set.
An award-winning cinematographer who has worked on critically-acclaimed projects ranging from GLOW to Ramy, we welcome Adrian Peng Correia to Spokes to talk about being a DP, as well as some emotional moments on-set.
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Today’s guest has a résumé that includes being behind the camera for shows like GLOW, Ramy, and Love Life. However, it’s his humble beginnings in the industry, as well as his drive to tell the best stories, which have led him to where he is today. In this episode, we talk with cinematographer Adrian Peng Correia about how his career in the business, what he’s learned through it, and one of the toughest times on-set emotionally. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Talking Points
Adrian working on his first million-dollar feature and the emotional first night he endured
The moment when he knew he made it in filmmaking
Humility and why everyone should be a PA at least once in their career
Finding crew you want to work with
How a dinner conversation and strong relationships led to DP-ing a major Netflix series
Skill development and acquiring talents
Getting to the “next level” and staying competitive
Director/DP Relationship
Working with no more than a two-camera setup
Differences of looks between shows he’s worked on
Future projects
Technical DP info
Social Media
Link: adrianpengcorreia.com
IMDb: Adrian Peng Correia
Also On This Episode
Episode #025 - Caleb Crossen
Two DPs. One Podcast Episode. We talk with Cleveland-based cinematographer Caleb Crossen on this episode about his work and thing to know as a DP.
Two DPs. One Podcast Episode. We talk with Cleveland-based cinematographer Caleb Crossen on this episode about his work and thing to know as a DP.
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Caleb Crossen is a Cleveland-based freelance cinematographer. He has been behind the camera for numerous clients, including Reebok, Progressive Insurance, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this episode, he joins James for a conversation between fellow DPs. They talk about things like the importance of lens choice, interactions with directors and producers, and movies that drove them to work in film.
Talking Points
Caleb’s start in the industry
Gathering a vision from experience
The importance of lens choice
Interactions with the director and producer
Process for monitoring exposure
Staying consistent in getting a good frame
Standing out as a DP
Measuring up to the “National” standard
The movies that shaped both Caleb and James’ interest in film
Process of breaking down frames from other films/projects
Social Media
IG: calebcrossendp
Link: calebcrossen.com
Episode #024 - Nick Cavalier
We conclude Director’s Month with Cleveland-born, LA-based director, Nick Cavalier, who specializes in documentaries pertaining to mental health and hero-centered themes.
We conclude Director’s Month with Cleveland-born, LA-based director, Nick Cavalier, who specializes in documentaries pertaining to mental health and hero-centered themes.
Forced Perspective is available on Amazon Prime
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If you would have asked today’s guest if he would be behind the camera and directing very impactful films years ago, he would have laughed. Specializing in documentaries and focusing on the heroes that are the subjects of them, Nick Cavalier’s career has led him to film festivals like Cleveland and SXSW, numerous awards, and even a Vimeo Staff Pick. Today, he talks about his progress, inspirations, and challenges he has endured getting to where he is. We conclude Director’s Month 2020 with Nick Cavalier.
Talking Points
How he turned to art as an escape and how that led to filmmaking
Finding yourself through filmmaking
His journey from struggling during the Recession to success in LA
Filming commercial compared to narrative
Why documentaries are seen as the “ugly redheaded stepchild” of film
The type of director Nick is (crew-centered or talent-centered)
Filming with smaller crews compared to bigger ones
Where Nick derives inspiration
Executing ideas
His views on spec work
What the next few months hold for filmmakers
How Nick has been handling the COVID-19 Crisis
What stories he likes telling the most
Social Media
Facebook: Nick Cavalier - Director
IG: nickcavalier
Twitter: @nickcavalier
Link: nickcavalier.com
IMDb: Nick Cavalier
Episode #023 - Julian C. Santos
Christmas came a little early here on the podcast, as we continue Director’s Month with the director of The Last Christmas Party, Julian C. Santos.
Christmas came a little early here on the podcast, as we continue Director’s Month with the director of The Last Christmas Party, Julian C. Santos.
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An important aspect of filmmaking is developing your characters. How they can relate to anyone, whether people should like them or not, and how they interact with other characters and intertwine in the story are just some of the factors. In this episode, our guest recently had an experience incorporating all of these points. His film, The Last Christmas Party, tells the story of a group of college friends in troubled romances as they party one last time before Winter Break. As we near the end of Director’s Month, we welcome director and fellow Pinoy (slang for Filipino), Julian C. Santos.
Talking Points
Julian’s film journey from San Francisco to NYU
Character development and implementing them in his writing
How he can relate to his characters
Building a team for a film
Directing suited to a specific genre
Perceiving characters
The importance of table reads/rehearsals
Benefits of reshoots and pickups with a low budget
Gaining constructive feedback from your circle
Telling a great story while staying original
Going in-depth on making his micro-budget movie, The Last Christmas Party
How long production days were
Dailies
Post-production process
Getting into film festivals
Future projects and the hope to film Asian-centered stories
Social Media
Julian
Facebook: City Bear Media
IMDb: Julian C. Santos
Link: juliancsantos.com
The Last Christmas Party
Episode #022 - Cooper Flannigan
On this week’s episode, we go into the challenges and lessons of filming a musical with Moondance director, Cooper Flannigan. This is week three of Director’s Month on the podcast.
On this week’s episode, we go into the challenges and lessons of filming a musical with Moondance director, Cooper Flannigan. This is week three of Director’s Month on the podcast.
Watch Moondance on Prime Video
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It’s hard enough to direct a musical, but imagine writing it and composing the music after thinking it was not going to be one in the first place. That is what today’s guest had to go through. Moondance director Cooper Flannigan is our guest on this episode of Spokes, and he goes into his process of creating this film, as well as some of the challenges including distribution and changing release plans due to the Coronavirus.
Moondance is now on Amazon Prime Video.
Talking Points
Cooper’s path to filmmaking
Adjusting to the situation on-set
Why directing and why it wasn’t his initial career
How Moondance wasn’t originally a musical and how it turned into one
The process of writing Moondance
Assembling a team to create a film
Funding the project
The Pre-Production Process
The imperfect on-set situations
Planning post-production
Making the musical numbers
Distribution
The biggest lesson learned from the production
Social Media
Cooper
Facebook: Squatch Film
IMDb: Cooper Flannigan
Link: Squatch Film
Moondance
Facebook: Moondance Movie
Episode #021 - Zach Daulton
If you have followed our company in the past couple of years, you might recognize this familiar face in this week’s episode of Spokes. We chat with director Zach Daulton as we continue Director’s Month on the podcast.
If you have followed our company in the past couple of years, you might recognize this familiar face in this week’s episode of Spokes. We chat with director Zach Daulton as we continue Director’s Month on the podcast.
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They say in show business that you should never work with kids or animals. Today’s guest says otherwise. Well, at least in terms of working with kids. He’s Southwest Ohio-based director, Zach Daulton, and he joins us to talk about specializing in directing children. He’s directed commercials and short films that have made them the main focus and won numerous awards, including first place in the 2019 iFootage Creative Video Competition for “Lost in Static,” and Best Drama in 2019’s My RODE Reel competition for “Looking Back.” He brings his expertise in this week’s episode as part of Director’s Month.
Talking Points
Why Zach works with children on-set
The advantage of hiring a director who specifically works with kids
If having kids helps in directing them
The process of a project: from casting to on-set work
Forming a bond with your child actor
Building rapport between the child and adult talent
Ideal conditions for kids on-set and the client’s role
The importance of giving positive reinforcement to the child in-between takes
Making the kid a part of the process and adding incentives along the way
Working with multiple children and of various age groups
Dealing with difficult children
Working with teenagers
Commercial v. Narrative and any future projects lined up
Social Media
Facebook: Zach Daulton - Filmmaker
Twitter: @zachdaulton
IG: Zach Daulton
Link: zachdaulton.com
YouTube: Zach Daulton
Vimeo: Zach Daulton
Episode #020 - Tyler Savino
We start Director’s Month on the podcast with the director and writer of the upcoming movie, The Cran, Tyler Savino. We go into his process of making the film, as well as his inspirations and how he created his production company, Bucketnaut.
We start Director’s Month on the podcast with the director and writer of the upcoming movie, The Cran, Tyler Savino. We go into his process of making the film, as well as his inspirations and how he created his production company, Bucketnaut.
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It’s one thing to make a feature film, but how about having to re-film the majority of scenes months later? That was the situation director Tyler Savino had to go through. In the first installment of Spokes’ Director’s Month, we interview the director of the upcoming film, The Cran, and talk about his inspirations, his process of coming up with the film, and his production company, Bucketnaut. Everything you want to know about writing, producing, and directing a feature is in this interview.
Talking Points
What inspires Tyler to create films
His process in writing scripts
Talent Recruitment
Funding a Feature
Advantages of having a great producer on-board
Crew Recruitment
Post-Production Process
Philosophy on Art Direction
Non-Film Inspirations
Storyboarding
His process of being an efficient and organized director
Making “The Cran” and lessons learned from it
What kind of director Tyler considers himself to be
Information about his production company, Bucketnaut
Social Media
Facebook: Tyler Savino, The Cran
Link: Bucketnaut
IMDb: Tyler Savino
Episode #019 - Patrick Ryan
We go in-depth about the grip and electric department with Cleveland-based grip and co-owner of Ohio Cinemotion, Patrick Ryan.
We go in-depth about the grip and electric department with Cleveland-based grip and co-owner of Ohio Cinemotion, Patrick Ryan.
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On Spokes, we want to inform our audience and teach them about the different areas of filmmaking. Today, we go into the Grip and Electric Department. For that, we talk with grip and co-owner of Ohio Cinemotion, Patrick Ryan. Patrick has worked on many films and TV shows, including The Fate of the Furious, White Boy Rick, True Detective, and the upcoming remake of West Side Story. We talk about his experiences on-set, as well as what it takes to become a grip, the technical side of things, and information about his camera motion company.
Talking Points
How Patrick spent his time in quarantine and how it relates to his work as a grip
Why exercise can be essential for a grip
How Patrick got his start in the industry and how he knew that he would want to work in the grip department
Commercial or Narrative
The team aspect of filmmaking
What’s a typical day on-set for a grip: working with directors, DPs, set-ups, etc.
The impact of virtual sets in the film industry (i.e. The Mandalorian)
Some of Patrick’s favorite filming experiences
The differences between smaller and larger sets
What Patrick has learned from being on-set
Information about his camera motion company, Ohio Cinemotion
Social Media
Facebook: Ohio Cinemotion
IG: ohiocinemotion
Link: ohiocinemotion.com
IMDb: Patrick James Ryan
Episode #018 - Chase Crawford
We talk with Southwest Ohio-based actor-producer, Chase Crawford, about making the transition from acting to producing, his production company, Four by Three Productions, and why he’s only planning to do this for at least ten more years.
We talk with Southwest Ohio-based actor-producer, Chase Crawford, about making the transition from acting to producing, his production company, Four by Three Productions, and why he’s only planning to do this for at least ten more years.
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Whether it’s on a commercial or a narrative, a set always needs good producers to help get the job done. Especially in a time of crisis, a producer that can help make sets compliant to COVID measures is needed more than ever. We have been lucky to work with today’s guest in recent projects that have dealt with these times. His name is Chase Crawford, and we talk about his journey in the industry, the important skillsets that a producer should have, and balancing work life with family.
Talking Points
How making fake Taco Bell commercials jump-started his career
How he immersed himself into the producing realm
Balancing career and family and the biggest step that contributes to that
The time where Chase knew that producing was a viable career
How his skills have developed since becoming a producer
Why producing may not be in his long-term plans
Forming project crews with no egos involved
A little information about his production company, Four by Three Productions
How he’s bringing in more clients and projects
How to execute an agency’s plan in a project
How to execute an exit strategy for undesirable clients
His COVID protocol and the state of the industry during this pandemic
What skillset he thinks that makes a great producer
Social Media
Facebook: Chase Crawford, Four by Three Productions
IG: chsecrwfrd, fourbythree
Twitter: @chsecrwfrd
IMDb: Chase Crawford
Episode #017 - Randy Panado
We break away from the typical filmmaking content and talk about how to form your vision in your filmmaking career with a long-time friend and fellow filmmaker, Randy Panado.
We break away from the typical filmmaking content and talk about how to form your vision in your filmmaking career with a long-time friend and fellow filmmaker, Randy Panado.
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Most of us know the skills to become a filmmaker, but only a few of us know what vision we have for our career. In this episode of Spokes, James sits down with one of his long-time friends, Las Vegas-based filmmaker Randy Panado. They talk about how personal growth methods can apply to anyone who is on the journey to becoming a filmmaker. We go into visualizing what kind of career they want to have, establishing a mindset in everything they do, and learning along the way. This episode breaks away from the traditional on-set and technology talk.
Talking Points
How Randy got his start in filmmaking
What advice he gives to people starting off in filmmaking
Crafting your vision of your life
Journey-Oriented v. Goal-Oriented
Finding Balance in your personal life
His definition of success
How to set your blueprint in achieving your vision
How to manage your “human resources” side
Handling not being accepted for a film job
Social Media
Website: randypanado.com
IG: randypanado
Episode #016 - Jami Kinton
She could possibly be one of the busiest people in the entertainment industry, even during a pandemic! Listen as we talk with host, actor, and Tik-Tok influencer, Jami Kinton, about her numerous roles in film, TV, and commercials.
She could possibly be one of the busiest people in the entertainment industry, even during a pandemic! Listen as we talk with host, actor, and Tik-Tok influencer, Jami Kinton, about her numerous roles in film, TV, and commercials.
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Model. Host. Actor. Stunt Performer. If it’s a job in the entertainment business, she has probably done it. As this crisis has halted productions and limited opportunities to everyone in the film and entertainment industry, our guest in this episode has found ways to market herself. Needless to say that it has paid dividends. Starting out as a journalist, Jami Kinton has continuously added to her repertoire of talents, including a recent entry into the world of Tik-Tok. Find out about how she began her journey through the entertainment world and hear what she thinks will happen post-Coronavirus in Episode 16 of Spokes.
Talking Points
How she got her start coming from journalism to working at Radio Disney
How she managed to receive opportunities being a “big fish in a small pond”
Why being on social media doesn’t have to be a negative experience
How she got into stunt work and the connections she made through it
Which of her many talents/jobs she prefers
Why she didn’t initially create a Tik-Tok account for the money and sponsorships
How she has quarantined during this time of crisis and how it relates to creating Tik-Toks
Her view of the future in the entertainment industry
The making of her Tik-Toks
Social Media
Website: jamikinton.com
Cleveland Audition Taping (Owned by Kinton): clevelandauditiontaping.com
IG: jamikinton
Tik-Tok: @jamikinton
Episode #015 - Cleveland Film Crew Roundtable (Part 2)
We continue our discussion from the last episode with our panel going into filming in Cleveland and some of the valuable things they have learned on set. This is the second part of our Film Crew Roundtable.
We continue our discussion from the last episode with our panel going into filming in Cleveland and some of the valuable things they have learned on set. This is the second part of our Film Crew Roundtable.
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In Part Two of our conversation with our Film Crew panel, we go into what the future holds in terms of filming in Cleveland, as well as on-set environments, overall. We also go into learning on-set, expectations by senior crew members, and networking with other crew members (or lack thereof). With week 10 of the Coronavirus crisis approaching, we talk about what our crew has been up to during this trying time.
Panel
Ryan Forte (Local 600, Loader on “Cherry”)
Eric Martin (Gaffer, Electrician on “Cherry”)
Thomas Matheis (Camera Department, Local 600, video assist on “Native Son” and “Escape Plan: The Extractors”)
Evan Prunty (Black Valve co-owner, video assist on “Cherry”)
Hunter Prunty (Black Valve co-owner, utility sound on “The Marksman” and “Untitled Fred Hampton Project”)
Talking Points
Future of Feature Films in Cleveland
Big Productions Hiring Local
Why Cleveland Over Other Locations for Filming
Learning On Location
Expectations On-Set
Networking On-Set
What is one of the more valuable things each member has learned on-set?
Is it worth going to Film School to be on set?
What everyone has been up to since the Coronavirus crisis started
When will crews go back to work and what precautions will be taken?
Social Media
Ryan Forte
IG: fortenox
Eric Martin
IG: ericedwinmartin
Thomas Matheis
IG: thomas_matheis
Black Valve
IG: blackvalve
Evan Prunty
IG: evanprunty
Hunter Prunty
IG: hunterprunty
Episode #014 - Cleveland Film Crew Roundtable (Part 1)
We begin Part One of a two-part series featuring some of Cleveland’s young film crew union members. They have worked on films such as Native Son, I See You, and upcoming movies Cherry and The Marksman (originally The Minuteman).
We begin Part One of a two-part series featuring some of Cleveland’s young film crew union members. They have worked on films such as Native Son, I See You, and upcoming movies Cherry and The Marksman (originally The Minuteman).
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We change things up during this crisis, so we decided to present our first roundtable episodes, discussing life on-set with local union crew members. In Part One, we talk about their experiences on-set and how their positions contribute to the film as a whole. We go into the pressures of their jobs and how they connect with everyone involved.
Panel
Ryan Forte (Local 600, Loader on “Cherry”)
Eric Martin (Gaffer, Electrician on “Cherry”)
Thomas Matheis (Camera Department, Local 600, video assist on “Native Son” and “Escape Plan: The Extractors”)
Evan Prunty (Black Valve co-owner, video assist on “Cherry”)
Hunter Prunty (Black Valve co-owner, utility sound on “The Marksman” and “Untitled Fred Hampton Project”)
Social Media
Ryan Forte
IG: fortenox
Eric Martin
IG: ericedwinmartin
Thomas Matheis
IG: thomas_matheis
Black Valve
IG: blackvalve
Evan Prunty
IG: evanprunty
Hunter Prunty
IG: hunterprunty
Episode #013 - James Waters
In this episode, we talk to producer and founder of the Canton Film Fest, James Waters, about how he became a producer, as well as what it takes to become one. We follow his interesting journey, from studying sports medicine and business management to rising from a production assistant to what he is today.
In this episode, we talk to producer and founder of the Canton Film Fest, James Waters, about how he became a producer, as well as what it takes to become one. We follow his interesting journey, from studying sports medicine and business management to rising from a production assistant to what he is today.
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Preview
Everyone sees near the top of the credits on a TV show or a movie: Executive Producer. Producer. Line Producer. Many people don’t know the difference between producer roles, but each has its roles. In this episode, we bring in producer James Waters, who will clarify those roles, as well as telling us his journey through the ranks. He will talk about the lessons he learned, as well as some tips that can help anyone who wants to become a producer. We end our conversation by discussing his role in creating the Canton Film Fest and the future of it amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Talking Points
How he went from majoring in sports medicine and business management to becoming a producer
Why he wanted to become a producer and what he has learned
Basics of being a producer and the key to learning what a producer should do
Differences between producer roles (i.e., line producer, executive producer, creative producer, etc.)
Commercial work vs. narrative
How you can burn yourself out from producing
When and why it is worth hiring a producer
Why smaller crews can be better
The importance of producer relationships
The future of content after COVID-19
What James has been up to since the Stay-at-Home orders began
James’ role in the Canton Film Fest
Social Media
Email: james@cantonfilm.com
Episode #012 - Chris B. Harris
Occasionally going by the names DJ $crilla and Hill Harris, Chris B. Harris joins us in this episode to talk about his career in music, as well as his work being featured on numerous films and TV series.
Occasionally going by the names DJ $crilla and Hill Harris, Chris B. Harris joins us in this episode to talk about his career in music, as well as his work being featured on numerous films and TV series.
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Preview
You might have heard music form today’s guest without knowing it! He’s written songs that received placement on ESPN, HBO, CBS, and even with the WWE. What you may not know is that he’s a Cleveland native who also has a day job. We first met Chris B. Harris filming a music video for his alter ego, DJ $crilla. His talent and personality have kept us in-touch a few years later. Now, he is a guest on Spokes. We go into how gigs as a DJ led him to become the hip-hop artist he is today. We also talk about how his day job as the External Affairs Manager for the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has influenced his work in the recording studio. Finally, we go into how he got into music licensing, as well as his experiences on-set of music videos.
Featured Song: “Watch Me.” Recorded under one of Chris’ alter-egos, Hill Harris
Talking Points
Beginnings in music; from DJing to now
How he got involved in music licensing
Process of licensing music, from song creation to licensing by client
What filmmakers should know about licensing music (18:20)
Future of production music business
Experience creating music videos
How he’s dealing with the current situation
Social Media
Also Mentioned